The Mind Benders
1963
One of a number of early 1960s spy thrillers to incorporate the paranoia of the Cold War into a film that defied convention (THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE and THE SPY WHO CAME IN FROM THE COLD also come to mind), THE MIND BENDERS is a fascinating science fiction influenced tale that begins when a British spy is discovered to be .. Read more
| Starring | Dirk Bogarde, Mary Ure, John Clements, Michael Bryant |
|---|---|
| Director | Basil Dearden |
| Genres | Sci-Fi/Fantasy |
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The Mind Benders
One of a number of early 1960s spy thrillers to incorporate the paranoia of the Cold War into a film that defied convention (THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE and THE SPY WHO CAME IN FROM THE COLD also come to mind), THE MIND BENDERS is a fascinating science fiction influenced tale that begins when a British spy is discovered to be selling secrets to the soviets. Convinced that this man would never betray his country, a British scientist, Dr. Tate, theorizes that his treachery must have been the result of brainwashing. Dr. Tate finds an ally in a colleague, Dr. Henry Longman (Bogarde), who agrees to undergo brainwashing experiments to discover if such a thing is possible. Soon, Dr. Longman is undergoing sensory deprivation experiments designed to convince him that he no longer loves his wife.
| Starring | Dirk Bogarde, Mary Ure, John Clements, Michael Bryant, Wendy Craig, Geoffrey Keen, Terry Palmer |
|---|---|
| Director | Basil Dearden |
| Studio | OPTIMUM HOME ENTERTAINMENT |
| Run time | DVD: 1 hr 35 mins |
| Certificate | |
| Genres | Sci-Fi/Fantasy |
| Language | DVD: English |
| Released | DVD: 01 Oct 2007 Production year: 1963 |
| Format | DVD |
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Most helpful member's review
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5 out of 5 people found this review helpful
The British Manchurian Candidate
Although at times this movie can fluctuate between sensationalism/exploitation in terms of music & cinematography, the script is first class. Dirk Bogarde seemed to have a knack for finding intelligent scripts, & I can see why he would have been attracted to this. Films about sensory deprivation where not everyday fare in 1962, it must have seemed quite different at the time.
I can't help but wonder how this would have turned out in more avant garde hands. Give Basil Dearden his due, he directed Bogarde in 'Victim', however this just seems visually a little over the top at times, over emphasis on the horror element of the story. With an almost Hammer Horror soundtrack as punctuation.
If you're a Dirk Bogarde fan (like me) that prefers his more intelligent work, I think you will appreciate this. However don't expect another 'Night Porter', on the other hand don't expect a 'Doctor' movie either. -
Most recent members' review
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not bad at all
Dirk Bogarde, Michael Bryant and Wendy Craig star in one I've long wanted to watch now available from the brilliant Optimum label.
A scientist experimenting with isolation techniques kills himself and MI5 start to investigate. His co-worker (Bogarde) agrees to undergo the same treatment but it alters his personality drastically...
More of a drama than anything else, but Bogarde is very good and the lovely Mary Ure as his wife is lovable. Director Basil Dearden frames some lovely shots and the set design looks great. Actors Roger Delgado and Edward Fox turn up in small roles and the black and white photography is lush.
I suppose the thing is that from the start you expect a film like 'Seconds' or 'The Manchurian Candidate' and instead it settles into a typical British drama. Nevertheless it's a well made film and certainly deserves to be seen. Well worth a look. -
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One of a number of early 1960s spy thrillers to incorporate the paranoia of the Cold War into a film that defied convention (THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE and THE SPY WHO CAME IN FROM THE COLD also come ... -